Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-05-12
CHAPTER NJ.
WE GIVE A SIGN

For long while-twO hours, | should
think-we sat there in silence, for we were
too overwhelmed by the recollection of the
horrors we had seen to talk. At last just as
we were thinking of turning in-for already
there were faint streaks of light in the east
ern sky-we heard the sound of steps. Then
came the challenge of the sentry, who was
posted at the kraal gate, which was appar-
emily answered, though not in an audible
tone for the steps came on; and in another
second Infadoos had entered the hut fol-
lowed by some half dozen stately looking
chiefs.
'.My lords,' he said, 81 have come accor d.
ing to my word. My lords and lgnos, right
full King of Kukuanas, have brought with
me these men," pointing to the row of
chiefs, who are great men among US, hav-
ing each one of them the command Of three
thousand soldiers, who live to do their bid
ding, under the kings. I have told them
Of what have seen, and what my ears have
heard. Now let them also see the sacred
snake around thee, and hear thy story, Igno-
81, that they may say whether or 10 they
will make cause with thee against Twala,
the king"
For answer Ignosi again stripped off his
girdle, and exhibited the snake tattooed
around him. Each chief in turn drew near
and examined it by the dim light OF the
lamp, and without saying a word passed on
to the other side. Then lgnosi resumed his
mocha, and addressing them, repeated the
history he had detailed in the morning
Now ye have heard, Chiefs" said Infa-
docs, when he had done, what say We; will
We stand by this man and help him to his
fathers throne, or will We not? The land
cries out against Twala, and the blood Of the
people flows like the waters in spring. Ye
have seen tonight Two other chiefs there
were with whom had in my mind to speak,
and where are they now? The hyenas
howl over their corpSes. Soon will We be as
they are if ye strike not Choose then, my
brothers"
The eldest of the six men, short, thick
set warrior with white hair, stepped forward
pace and answered:
'"Thy words are true, InfadOOs; the land
cries out. My own brother is among those
VINO died tonight; but this is great matter
and the thing is hard to believe. How know
we that if we lift our spears it may not be
for an lmpostor? 1t is a great matter, / say,
and none may see the end of it. For of this
be sure, blood will flow in rivers before the
deed is done; many will cleave to the king,
iol HIcn WOISHlp Gu6 sun IildC SIlll SHINES
bright in the heavens, and not that which
has not risen. These white men, from the
stars, their magic is great, and Ignosi is I'M
der the cover of their wing. If he be indeed
the rightful king let them give us sign, and
let the people have sign, that all may see.
So shall men cleave to us, knowing that the
white mans magic is with them"
Eye have the sign of the snake" an
swered.
MY lord, ii is not enough. The snake
may have been placed there since the mans
BIRTH. Show us sign. We will not move
without sign"
The others gave decided assent and I
turned in perplexity toSir Henry and Good,
and explained the stuatn
81 think have it. y & ,albod, exultingIy;
task them to gsyethe chez f,' ut to think"
did so, and gone Co. drew. AS soon
as they Verge sjmedioi,,ooo ent to the little
box in which thiYa note hn, We, unlocked it,
and took out i aIrnanoo the front of
which was an x - Nv, look here.
you fellows, ism ioWthe fourth of
June?' no4.
TO be-